Research Interests: I'm an environmental scientist interested in human health hazard and exposure assessment. My prior research experience largely focused on monitoring and modeling aquatic contaminant fate, bioaccumulation, and human exposure. Presently, I am interested in the development and interpretation of local spatial monitoring networks for hazardous pollutants of environmental justice concern. Topics of interest include 1. lead, chromium, and other metals in soils and indoor settings; 2. municipal drinking water quality; 3. opinions and behavior regarding local water sources; 4. spatiotemporal variation in particulate air pollution; and 5. spatial integration of multiple health hazard data sources. I am also very interested in the development of effective strategies to engage traditionally underrepresented students in environmental sciences.

Research Opportunities: In 2016, I anticipate having opportunities for one or two students who are motivated to begin new research projects in my laboratory. I am especially interested in mentoring students who have or want experience working with, supporting, and learning from local, vulnerable, and traditionally underrepresented communities in the local region. Students in my lab may conduct independent field data collection on environmental hazards in Southern Illinois, as well as data assembly and integration exercises employing GIS and literature review. I can provide interesting project ideas, resources for equipment purchase, and guidance in field survey development, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. However, to be successful in my lab (and in Environmental Sciences generally), students must exhibit a high degree of self-motivation and some initiative and independence. I invite students interested in developing or implementing projects related to my research interests to email me. Any students in the local region can also contact me to set up a time to meet on campus.

Recent Publications

Luengen, A., H.M. Foslund, and B.K. Greenfield. 2016. Decline in methylmercury in museum-preserved bivalves from San Francisco Bay, California. Science of the Total Environment. In Press.